Expanded learning director outlines after-school expansion as AB 121 boosts funding

The Beaumont Unified expanded-learning director told the school board on Sept. 9 that the district has substantially expanded its before- and after-school offerings and is adjusting plans after a recent state funding change. The presenter said Assembly Bill 121 lowered the unduplicated pupil (UP) threshold to 55% for the 2025-26 school year, which moves the district toward “rate one” funding and, the presenter said, yields roughly $1,200 more per student than the prior rate tier.

Why it matters: Higher, more stable state funding could allow the district to expand slots, reduce wait lists and sustain programs beyond one-year budget cycles. The presenter described multiple program types — daily Impact (in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club), Incredible Minds tutoring led by district staff, enrichment "opportunities" clubs, athletics-led clinics and weekend/holiday "experiences" — and said the district now runs expanded-learning activities year-round including extended summer offerings.

Program details and funding: The presenter summarized recent growth across program categories and said the district increased summer and intersession days beyond the statutory 30 days (noting 44 days provided this year). He said the earlier tiered funding model created unpredictability for long-term planning and that AB 121's change in the UP threshold to 55% improves qualification for the higher funding tier. "Just for an example, the difference in funding from rate one to rate two is about $1,200 per student," the presenter said. He also flagged a hold-harmless provision that eases the transition between funding rates.

Public comment and wait-list concern: Maria(n)e Falls Halls, the lone public commenter, praised the district—or clear ParentSquare communications, the Kinder Club (which provides transportation for TK/K students and centralized after-school care), and collaboration with community partners. She also raised a specific concern: "My concern remains for parents and students who are still on the wait list for after-school care as we are now entering the fifth full week of school with no updates for the families," she said. The presenter acknowledged the problem and said the district is actively hiring and working with partners to reduce wait lists, but that turnover in entry-level positions remains a constraint.

Partnerships and staffing: In response to board questions, the presenter described the Boys & Girls Club partnership: B&G staff complete onboarding, the district provides monthly trainings and teachers-on-assignment do regular check-ins. The presenter said some frontline positions are hired by partners while others are district employees depending on operational needs; the district is evaluating longer-term staffing models and plans to create new district positions where feasible.

Next steps: The expanded-learning department will return with a three-year plan to the board in October (presenter stated that a three-year plan will be presented in October), and staff are exploring portable classrooms and other site-based solutions to address space constraints for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten full-day options in 2026-27.

The board received the presentation and entered a question-and-answer period; no formal action was taken on program expansion during the Sept. 9 meeting.